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Initial New Mexico School Counselor Certification
Becoming a certified School Counselor in New Mexico involves navigating various pathways tailored to accommodate diverse educational and professional backgrounds (See NM Dept of Ed certification overview). Whether pursuing a traditional master’s degree, utilizing existing credentials in mental health counseling, or obtaining national certification, each pathway has specific requirements in terms of education, experience, and examinations.
Follow below to learn about the specifics for satisfying certification requirements for each pathway:
Education or Degree Requirements
All three (3) pathways toward certification in New Mexico for School Counselors have distinct education or degree requirements:
Pathway 1: Traditional Master’s Degree Route
- Obtain a master’s degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited college or university with 36-42 graduate hours in School Counseling.
This means you will need to enroll in a Master’s program in School Counseling – search school counseling degree programs in New Mexico. Look for programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), as these are often preferred by employers and certification boards.
Ensure that the program you choose meets the credit hour requirements specified (36-42 graduate hours). Typically, a Master’s program consists of 60 credit hours, so this would involve roughly half of your coursework being directly related to School Counseling.
Your program should include a practicum component where you will gain hands-on experience in a school setting under the supervision of a qualified School Counselor. Be proactive in seeking out opportunities for this practicum experience and make the most of your time there to learn and develop your skills.
Pathway 2: Existing Credentials in Mental Health Counseling
- Hold a Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential issued by the New Mexico Counseling & Therapy Practice Board (NMRLD).
This pathway is for individuals who already have credentials in Mental Health Counseling. If you do not have these credentials, you would need to pursue them first before applying for School Counselor certification.
- Complete at least six (6) semester hours of graduate credit in School Counseling coursework.
This requirement involves taking additional graduate-level coursework specifically in School Counseling. Look for courses that cover topics relevant to School Counseling practice and theory. These courses may be available through online or on-campus school counseling programs.
Pathway 3: National Certification
- Obtain the National Certified School Counselor credential issued by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
To pursue this pathway, you would need to meet the requirements set by the NBCC for their National Certified School Counselor credential. This typically involves completing a Master’s degree in School Counseling, gaining supervised experience, and passing the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE).
Tips:
- Research different Master’s programs in School Counseling to find one that aligns with your career goals and interests.
- Network with professionals in the field of School Counseling to gain insights and potentially find opportunities for practicum experiences or mentorship.
- Stay organized and proactive in meeting the requirements for certification, whether through coursework, practicum experiences, or credentialing exams.
- Consider joining professional organizations such as the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) to stay connected with the latest developments in the field and access resources for professional growth.
Experience Requirements
Experience requirements vary based on the chosen pathway:
Pathway 1: Traditional Master’s Degree Route
For this pathway, individuals are usually required to complete a 300-hour practicum or internship specifically in a school setting. This hands-on experience allows them to gain practical skills, observe classroom dynamics, and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world educational contexts.
Pathway 2: Existing Credentials in Mental Health Counseling
This pathway typically doesn’t have any specific experience requirements. It may be suitable for individuals who have relevant educational qualifications but limited practical experience in a school setting.
Pathway 3: National Certification
Similarly, there are no specific experience requirements for this pathway. It might be ideal for those who possess educational qualifications and some relevant experience but not necessarily in a school environment.
Testing Requirements
The School Counselor exam, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is a requirement for individuals aspiring to become School Counselors. This exam assesses candidates’ professional knowledge and competencies relevant to the field of School Counseling. The test is designed to measure whether entry-level School Counselors possess the standards-relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for competent professional practice.
- To prepare for the School Counselor (5422) exam, ETS offers free resources such as detailed overviews, sample questions, and study tips.
- These resources can be downloaded from the ETS website, including sample questions and study tips, to adequately prepare for the exam, which requires a fee of $130.00.
The exam is aligned with the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies. These standards and competencies outline the mindsets and behaviors that School Counselors must possess to effectively meet the needs of students in grades pre-K through 12.
Background Checks
A background check is required for certification to ensure the safety and security of students in K-12 settings (see background check instructions and overview). It helps verify the applicant’s criminal history and suitability for working with children. To meet the background check requirements for NMPED Licensure:
- Register with IdentoGO.
- Select “Schedule an appointment.”
- Use the appropriate ORI number and reason code (NM920140Z).
- Enter the zip code to determine the closest fingerprinting location.
- Complete the registration process.
- Pay the associated fees of $59.00.
Ensure that the background check is cleared by the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) before proceeding with the licensure application. The background check remains valid for 24 months, after which a new one must be obtained if the license is not yet procured.
To obtain a copy of your background check, kindly reach out to Stephanie J. Lujan at StephanieJ.Lujan@ped.nm.gov. Please note that the New Mexico Public Education Department does not recognize background checks completed by other states or agencies.
Application Process
The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) offers an online application process for obtaining a license. The process can be completed through the designated portal, with paper or online submission options available. The application form can be downloaded or requested from the department. The completed applications should be sent to the Professional Licensure Bureau at the NMPED.
- To begin the application process for an Initial School Counselor Certification for the first time, proceed with registration at this designated portal.
- To apply for a license, applicants must provide official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, including transfer credits leading to earned degrees.
- For veterans, military members, or military spouses, they must provide DD 214, military ID card, marriage license, and spouse’s deployment orders.
- Completed paper applications should be mailed to the New Mexico Public Education Department, Professional Licensure Bureau, 300 Don Gaspar, Room 103, Santa Fe NM 87501.
- The Initial Instructional Support Provider license fee is $150 (see fee schedule).
Comprehensive guides are available for assistance in navigating the portal. For inquiries about the application process, the dedicated licensure department is available at (505)-827-5800 or via email at LicensureUnit@ped.nm.gov.